Here's an excerpt from the Daily Universe article about me:
“I do what I can because they’re such amazing musicians and such amazing people that it’s the least I can do for them for everything they have done for me,” Baker said. “[I try] to publicize them and get their name out there because they deserve all the support.”
Baker has continued to have medical struggles, but she said J.Wride has always been there for her ever since she met them.
“They’ve done a lot for me,” Baker said. “First of all, they gave me a voice. Because they welcomed me in, became my friend, talked to me, helped me develop music, then when I got diagnosed with a brain tumor, they organized a benefit concert and gave me the money that they raised so I could help pay for my medical bills.”
Wride, the band’s frontman, said he is glad the band could help Baker.
“I organized a benefit concert for her as I would’ve done for anyone who has supported us in the same situation,” Wride said. “It’s cool to hear that our music has affected her in a positive way and to be honest that definitely is a huge goal of ours to help anyone in any way we can, whether it be through music or anything else.”
SO, as you can see, j.wride and I have a unique friendship and I couldn't be happier to have them in my life. j.wride has now been playing for three years!, and I have been going to their concerts for three years. My first concert was at Muse Music Cafe and I brought a TON of my friends from my spring term ward in the dorms. We had a total blast, and were pleasantly surprised to hear how good j.wride actually was. We weren't sure what to expect, so when we heard Jesse play the piano and sing like a musical prodigy, and Austin play the drums like he was about to kill something (in a good way obviously), and Garrett play the bass like it was nobody's business, well, it blew me away, it blew us all away. After a year in the band, Garrett got married and dropped out of the band. So j.wride went on a talent search and ended up with Rick for a short time before they lucked out and landed Court Eccles (who was at the time living in Idaho and commuting down to Provo for shows). And Court has been in the band ever since!
I'm not lying when I say these three boys are the most talented guys at what they do. Jesse's voice is so soothing and beautiful that it gives me chills just thinking about it. His fingers play so fast that you literally think he'll burn them off from the friction. Austin plays the drums with ease. He makes it look like any one can do it, but then again, you know you never could because he's THAT amazing. And Court, well, he blew me away in high school when he played the bass, and I feel like he's gotten 10x better, because the way he plays that bass, it's insane! No wonder he lucked out and attained his girlfriend, they are perfect together. He just plays so incredibly brilliantly.
j.wride has changed my life, and their music inspires me.
Here are some pictures from over the years:
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| 1st j.wride show EVER. w/ the amazing Jesse Wride |
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| w/ the incredible Jesse Wride |
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| Court, Casey, Jesse, Me, Austin, Kailee @ the Avalon Theatre |
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| Jesse, Austin, me, Court @ the Tahitian Noni in Provo Indigo CD release (visiting from home during Chemo treatments) |
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| Court, me, Jesse, Austin @ Haley's benefit concert |
And last night was their anniversary concert, and it was at Sammy's in Pleasant Grove.
And here are pictures from the night:
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| Ben Bailey and I (He was the coordinator at EFY in Provo) |
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| Me and Kristy (her family and I compete for biggest j.wride fan) |
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| Ben and I |
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| Me and Britta (Austin- the drummer-'s wife) |
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| Court, me, Jesse, and Austin ("with a coke in my hand" - Lovelier) |
For me, that concert meant more than just another concert. It was the anniversary of becoming friends with three phenomenal individuals. Boys who have grown into men as they have touched lives and blessed lives with their music and friendship.
So, here's to them!- for being there for me always. And to Jesse, for tearing it up, and for teaching me so much about writing music and for always being a shoulder to cry on.
It has meant more to me than you will ever know.
I love you guys.
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.
- J
